![VANVITELLI, Luigi (1700-1773). Autograph letter signed to [name illegible], an important official ('Eccelenza'), Naples, 16 [April ?], 1762, 2 pages, folio; together with an autograph note signed, Naples, 13 May 1759, one page, 8vo, integral blank leaf, and autograph sketches of elevations and architectural details, inscribed 'Casino d'Ostia dei Signori Sacchetti - casa del Principe Chigi', pen and ink, one page, folio (folded).](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/1998/CKS/1998_CKS_05974_0127_000(104446).jpg?w=1)
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VANVITELLI, Luigi (1700-1773). Autograph letter signed to [name illegible], an important official ('Eccelenza'), Naples, 16 [April ?], 1762, 2 pages, folio; together with an autograph note signed, Naples, 13 May 1759, one page, 8vo, integral blank leaf, and autograph sketches of elevations and architectural details, inscribed 'Casino d'Ostia dei Signori Sacchetti - casa del Principe Chigi', pen and ink, one page, folio (folded).
The letter is written in response to his correspondent's enquiry about the restoration of the old wall of the Baths of Barletta, which differs from work on the new wall 'e singolarmente nel doversi profondare almeno un palmo di più il pedamento antico. Essendo metodo utile e comprovato dalla sperienza doversi pratticare in ogni qualunque refazzione o ristauro di muraglia'. He gives further details, referring to stages of the work in 1755 and 1761. The note (without address) refers to Girolamo Spadolini, clerk of the works at the Ponte della Maddalena and to Francesco Galli, 'ottimo manipolo fabricatore', asking his correspondent to inform the foreman ('il capo maestro') of any problems.
In 1750 Vanvitelli, regarded as the greatest architect of his day, was summoned from Rome to Naples by Charles VII (later Charles III of Spain), for the planning and construction of his masterpiece, the Palazzo Reale at Caserta. He also completed the barracks at the Ponte della Maddalena, on the outskirts of Naples.
The letter is written in response to his correspondent's enquiry about the restoration of the old wall of the Baths of Barletta, which differs from work on the new wall 'e singolarmente nel doversi profondare almeno un palmo di più il pedamento antico. Essendo metodo utile e comprovato dalla sperienza doversi pratticare in ogni qualunque refazzione o ristauro di muraglia'. He gives further details, referring to stages of the work in 1755 and 1761. The note (without address) refers to Girolamo Spadolini, clerk of the works at the Ponte della Maddalena and to Francesco Galli, 'ottimo manipolo fabricatore', asking his correspondent to inform the foreman ('il capo maestro') of any problems.
In 1750 Vanvitelli, regarded as the greatest architect of his day, was summoned from Rome to Naples by Charles VII (later Charles III of Spain), for the planning and construction of his masterpiece, the Palazzo Reale at Caserta. He also completed the barracks at the Ponte della Maddalena, on the outskirts of Naples.